France's most-capped international, and the man who had the honour of raising the World Cup in his country's capital city, Didier Deschamps has proved beyond doubt that he is so much more than the "water-carrier" he was dubbed by Eric Cantona.

Before Chelsea's assault this season he had already won the European Cup twice - once with Marseille and once with Juventus.

Industrious without being simply a provider for others, Deschamps made his international debut in 1989 and has been a regular ever since.

He played in three matches at Euro 92 and four at Euro 96 and was ever-present as the midfield anchor throughout the hosts' stunning France 98 campaign.

Likely to play alongside Emmanuel Petit in the centre once again, he has shown few signs of slowing down - even approaching his 32nd birthday.